5 Rules to Keeping Exotic Pets

The exotic requirements of owning unusual pets

Dangerous, wild, and exotic pets could pose a danger to the local population, which is why they are classified under different laws, compared to regular domesticated pets such as dogs, cats, and goldfish. Owning even a dog is a huge responsibility so if you are going to keep an exotic animal at home, you need to at least educate yourself on their habitat requirements and distinctive tendencies.

There are a few basic rules to keeping a wildly hunted reptile in your living room. And, just for the record, not all pets are easier than babies, just so you know. Here are a few things to consider as you dive into caring for your out-of-the-ordinary pet:

Animal history

You may have disliked history at school, but this time, it can help you. Exotic animals have detailed backgrounds, dating back hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. This information will inform you of their biological makeup, how they adapt to new environments, what they eat, how they interact with one another and other species, and their seasonal afflictions. History has its place and that is to presently advise you of the best way to treat and look after your unusual pet.

Diet & care

Once you’ve done your historical search, you will need to know how to provide the exact conditions they require to live and thrive, what they need to eat and where to get food from. Some people impulsively buy exotic animals with very little thought given to researching their maintenance. Try to get in touch with others who keep the same species, so you have a support network to draw from.

Unusual Pet Vets are also a great source of information to understanding your pet’s living conditions, dietary requirements, and unusual pet care, etc. If you are unable to provide for an exotic animal on a long-term basis, you should consider finding a more manageable animal to adopt.

Be there

Keeping an exotic pet is not a hobby. These are living, breathing creatures who have been taken out of their natural environments, so they require a great deal of care and understanding, which means you need to give up some of your Saturday nights to stay in and keep an eye on it. Keeping an exotic animal alive is one thing, but allowing it to live is an entirely different scenario.

Are you able to enrich its environments? Will you regularly be home to monitor elements such as temperature control and lighting? Are you considering animal husbandry? If so, you need to educate yourself on the practise required for breeding and the science behind your species. Are you prepared for an expanding brood of exotics, and the time you need to spend looking after them?

Create atmosphere

It’s a bit disconcerting how little many exotic pet owners know about the right conditions for their animals. A basic part of owning exotic pets is to know the types of conditions they are acclimated to, and how best to achieve it. Temperature plays a big part in their biology such as their metabolism. Speak to the professionals and find out exactly what your species needs.

Does it like warm or cool environments? Will too much heat cause it to dehydrate? What is the perfect temperature for the skin and metabolism to ensure a space for physiological, mental and breeding health?

If you have reptiles, throwing a box together with a light bulb, won’t do the trick. There are many different types of equipment out there, designed to produce the conditions you need, which all depends on the animals you are keeping.

For indoor species you may need thermostats, humidifiers, ventilation, digital hygrometers and much more, to ensure it stays alive and happy. If your animal is staying outside, ensure there is sufficient shade from the sun, and a cooling off area so it can moderate body temperature.

Animal health care

Do you know what your exotic pet needs to maintain its health? Does it require regular hydration or can it go for a few days without water? Does it require more of one mineral than another to ensure its skin or fur does not deteriorate? What kind of viruses and bacteria is it susceptible to and how can you protect the pet? Even if you know all of these important pieces of info, it’s essential to have a professional care expert on hand to consult with.

Keep the number of Unusual Pet Vets on hand. Not many animal doctors can deal with the physical and physiological conditions associated with tropical and exotic species. Veterinary clinics for these animals are fully equipped with skilled vets and the tools required to treat exotics.

Taking your animal for regular check-ups shouldn’t be any problem if you have adhered to the exotic animal ownership requirements.

Exotic and unusual pets are amazing creatures with different nuances that make them fascinating. Keep them happy with the right conditions and exotic animal care information.